In Montclair: A concert of two Elvises

When you hear the name "Elvis," does your mind jump to a slicked-back pompadour or coke-bottle glasses?

Whichever the answer, Montclair's Parents Who Rock will oblige with their own renditions of the two Elvises' classics this Saturday night, Feb. 8, at Bnai Keshet at 7 p.m. Tickets are available for $20 at parentswhorock.com, and will cost $25 at the door. Proceeds will go to Garden State Equality, a statewide civil rights advocacy group based in Montclair.

Parents Who Rock Director Alma Schneider said that the idea of pitting Presley's music against Costello's came up during preparation for last year's benefit concert highlighting the work of Tom Petty, and was the brainchild of another member, Bob Cannon. Schneider said that she excitedly kept the idea in her back pocket over the past year.

Asked whether any of the performers will adopt Presley or Costello's trademark looks, Schneider was mum.

"You'll just have to show up to see," Schneider said. "But there will be some fun antics going on."

Two of the evening's performers, Paul Ruderman and Lily Vakili, told The Times that they prefer Costello and will each perform a selection from his discography.

"I think it's interesting," Ruderman said of the concept. "They're pretty much as far away from each other as you can get. They both have great voices. Costello is better for modern musicians. Elvis [Presley] started it all."

"They're pretty evenly matched," Vakili added. "They're both magnificent performers. And they both have these very distinctive styles. When you say Elvis or Elvis Costello, you kind of have an image in your mind."

Vakili said that her selection will be a love song in honor of the LGBT community the concert will benefit.

Schneider said that the advocacy group was chosen on account of its work with the LGBT community, particularly as it pertains to young people and bullying.

"We were thrilled that they would reach out to us and want to support our work," Garden State Equality Interim Executive Director John Mikytuck told The Times. "I think it'll be fantastic … I like [Presley and Costello] both equally. I'm really excited to hear how Parents Who Rock interpret them."